Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

This picture of Don Draper straddling a vintage Matchless motorcycle in a very sharp suit has sparked an international motorcycle event. It’s been named the ‘Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’ and is the work of Mark Hawwa from the Sydney Cafe Racers. “The idea was actually sparked by members in our Perth chapter” says Mark. On the 30th of September, riders from all around the world will be donning their best suit and ties (smoking pipes optional) and taking to the streets. We’re told there’s already a thousand riders from 20 cities around the world participating. “We are expecting this to grow as people organise their own events and inform us” says Hawwa. “At the moment the cities involved are – Cleveland, Houston, Minneapolis, Raleigh, Portland, Vancouver, Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Gauteng, Sicily, Paris, Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and London.”

The rules for the ride are pretty simple. Everyone has to wear a suit – the bikes should be Café Racers, Bobbers, Retros, Flat Trackers, Brat or Modern Classics (and metal scooters… yep no plastic). “The ride needs to take the participants through the busy areas of each city which also ensures a slow speed” says Mark. “It’s not our intention to see people going fast especially in this un-suit-able attire”. Boom tish.

If you’re interested in being part of this ride in your city, you can find more details on the gentlemans site or follow them on their Facebook page.

Why don’t we have formal attire for motorcycling? Just take a classic design like the one above, and use cordura and kevlar fabrics. Maybe add some low profile armor. The suit’s already cut for shoulder pads.

If he rode in that suit his tie would be shredded if he got up to highway speeds for a couple of miles.

Mateo Lamberto

CHICAGO ANYONE!?!?!?!?!

Zundap

I got the suit and the bike. I’m in if it gets to Daytona. Na, it would never fly here. Shorts, flip flops and more Tattoos than teeth are in. ..Z

Joel E Cervantes

Well I dont live in any of the mentioned cities above, nor do I have one of the specified motos above. Im still riding in my suit to the Santa Rosa Mile in California that day.

revdub

I need to build a bike for myself. I keep selling them off and I’m left without a ride. That’s it… the next one is for keeps. If the DGR’s are happening next year, count me in. I’ll get something going out here in Louisville. I better buy a suit too. This list is getting longer.

if y’all want to ride old motorbikes through the streets of a big city, feel free to join us for the 12th annual San Francisco 49 Mile Ride on Oct 28th. We’ll have 300-350 old bikes riding around, and suits, ties and pipes are fine. The ride is free and any make/model/color of bike is accepted if it was made before 1975. Bring cash for the bbq and get there early if you want a T shirt before they sell out. More details on Occhioungo during October.

Why don’t we have formal attire for motorcycling? Just take a classic design like the one above, and use cordura and kevlar fabrics. Maybe add some low profile armor. The suit’s already cut for shoulder pads.

If he rode in that suit his tie would be shredded if he got up to highway speeds for a couple of miles.

Mateo Lamberto

CHICAGO ANYONE!?!?!?!?!

Zundap

I got the suit and the bike. I’m in if it gets to Daytona. Na, it would never fly here. Shorts, flip flops and more Tattoos than teeth are in. ..Z

Joel E Cervantes

Well I dont live in any of the mentioned cities above, nor do I have one of the specified motos above. Im still riding in my suit to the Santa Rosa Mile in California that day.

revdub

I need to build a bike for myself. I keep selling them off and I’m left without a ride. That’s it… the next one is for keeps. If the DGR’s are happening next year, count me in. I’ll get something going out here in Louisville. I better buy a suit too. This list is getting longer.

if y’all want to ride old motorbikes through the streets of a big city, feel free to join us for the 12th annual San Francisco 49 Mile Ride on Oct 28th. We’ll have 300-350 old bikes riding around, and suits, ties and pipes are fine. The ride is free and any make/model/color of bike is accepted if it was made before 1975. Bring cash for the bbq and get there early if you want a T shirt before they sell out. More details on Occhioungo during October.